Revitalization of Historical Cosenza: Introduction of 27 new attractions and 13 closed locations within the city center.
Cosenza, a picturesque city in southern Italy, is undergoing a significant transformation as part of an urban regeneration plan. The initiative aims to revitalise the historic centre and improve the overall urban environment, focusing on integrated cultural, social, and economic initiatives.
Italy is promoting cultural and social regeneration projects, often backed by public funding from the Ministry of Culture and other governmental bodies. These programmes support activities in historic centres and suburbs, targeting cultural innovation, community engagement, and tourist attraction. Initiatives such as the "Creative Living Lab" and "Il Museo Rigenera" support participatory, culturally based urban regeneration projects that can be analogous to efforts in Cosenza.
The projects typically include the restoration of historic buildings, enhancement of cultural heritage, development of public spaces, and promotion of local arts and crafts. There is a focus on participatory approaches, engaging local communities in decision-making processes to ensure sustainability and social inclusiveness. Urban regeneration efforts also emphasise environmental sustainability and the integration of ecosystem services into planning, which may influence the retrofitting of historical settlements, including those in Cosenza.
The regeneration plans aim to revive the historic centre of Cosenza by preserving its cultural identity while modernising infrastructure. The renewed emphasis on cultural activities and tourism within the historic centre is expected to create economic revitalization, attracting visitors and improving local business opportunities. Social and cultural regeneration initiatives help foster a sense of community and identity, contributing to social cohesion and increased participation in urban life.
Key projects in Cosenza include the renovation of the traditional Alfonso Rendano theatre, the adaptation of the sports palace, and the transformation of the Santa Lucia district. The Alaric Museum, at the confluence of the Crati and Busento rivers, will become a large exhibition area for contemporary art. The degraded Casali area is at the centre of an urban rebirth strategy that also involves residents in innovation laboratories.
The urban and green furniture will be cared for, and the territory will be animated as part of the urban rebirth strategy. Inclusive accessibility improvements are planned for the museum of the Brettii and Enotri, while the degraded historic centre aims to reverse the trend of total depopulation. New cultural hubs, university incubators, and innovative social projects are being established as part of these initiatives.
The funding for these projects comes from the CIS (90 million euros), Urban Agenda (34 million euros), and PNRR (10 million euros). An equal number of projects, as many as in the Periphery Plan, are part of the Sustainable Urban Development Strategy. The total funding for the projects is 134 million euros.
Francesco Alimena, a young city councillor, is leading the revitalization efforts in the historic centre of Cosenza. The projects, which include the planting of 30 new trees, 15,000 floral and shrub essences, and over 350 sqm of lawn in Villa Vecchia, a historic city garden, are expected to breathe new life into the city.
The renovation of Villa Vecchia, a historic city garden, is part of the home-and-garden lifestyle improvements in Cosenza, providing a vibrant and picturesque setting for the city's residents and visitors. The urban regeneration plan also focuses on the revitalization of cultural hubs, such as the Alfonso Rendano theatre and the Alaric Museum, promoting a blend of lifestyle, home, and garden aesthetics alongside Italy's rich cultural heritage.
